A nurse is reinforcing discharge education to a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following suggestions should be included in the teaching plan?
Report new-onset muscle weakness
Increase consumption of apples and broccoli
Avoid salt substitutes
Report falls, due to high risk of osteoporosis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Report new-onset muscle weakness: Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue, which are important symptoms that need to be monitored. Reporting these symptoms promptly is crucial because severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening complications, such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias.
B. Increase consumption of apples and broccoli: While fruits and vegetables like apples and broccoli are healthy, they are not particularly high in potassium. The client should be encouraged to consume potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach to help correct hypokalemia.
C. Avoid salt substitutes: Some salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can actually help increase potassium levels. However, this option might be recommended in certain conditions where potassium levels need to be carefully controlled, such as in renal failure, not in hypokalemia management.
D. Report falls, due to high risk of osteoporosis: Hypokalemia does not directly increase the risk of osteoporosis. Falls may occur due to muscle weakness, but this is not specifically related to osteoporosis. Therefore, reporting falls is not the primary concern in hypokalemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bradypnea, or abnormally slow breathing, is not typically associated with hypoxia. Hypoxia usually triggers an increase in respiratory rate (tachypnea) as the body attempts to take in more oxygen to meet its needs.
B. Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, is a key sign of hypoxia. It occurs when there is insufficient oxygen in the blood, leading to a darker color of deoxygenated hemoglobin. Cyanosis is most commonly observed in the lips, fingertips, and toes.
C. Pallor, or paleness of the skin, can occur in various conditions but is not specific to hypoxia. It is more commonly associated with anemia or shock rather than low oxygen levels in the blood.
D. Bradycardia, or a slower-than-normal heart rate, is not typically a manifestation of hypoxia. Instead, hypoxia often causes tachycardia as the body attempts to increase oxygen delivery to tissues by pumping blood more quickly.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This condition is characterized by confusion, drowsiness, and headache, but it does not typically present with vomiting, tingling, or slow respirations as described in this scenario.
B. Metabolic alkalosis occurs due to a loss of hydrogen ions or an excess of bicarbonate, commonly caused by prolonged vomiting. The symptoms described, including persistent vomiting, tingling, and slow, shallow respirations, are consistent with metabolic alkalosis.
C. Metabolic acidosis results from the accumulation of acid or loss of bicarbonate, often presenting with rapid, deep breathing (Kussmaul respirations). The client’s slow respirations and other symptoms do not align with metabolic acidosis, making this option less likely.
D. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels. It is usually associated with rapid breathing and does not match the slow respirations and other symptoms seen in this client.
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